The A19 in Sunderland is expected to remain closed “for a number of hours” after a collision in the early hours of Sunday morning. The road is shut in both directions between the A1018 near Seaham and the A690 near Houghton-le-Spring.
National Highways said it is assisting Northumbria Police at the scene, while Durham Constabulary confirmed the closure will be in place for several hours following the crash. Traffic officers and area team crews have implemented full chapter 8 traffic management.
Police and National Highways respond
A National Highways spokesperson said: “National Highways Traffic Officers are currently assisting Northumbria Police with an ongoing incident on the A19 near Sunderland.” They added that area team crews are on scene implementing full chapter 8 traffic management.
Durham Constabulary issued an update at 3.30am stating: “Due to a RTC the A19 is currently closed in both directions. The closures are in place from the junction of the A1018 Seaton northbound and closed from the junction with the A690 Doxford Park southbound.” The closure is expected to remain in place for a number of hours.
Diversion routes for drivers
For northbound traffic, drivers should follow the ‘Hollow Diamond’ symbol on local road signs: exit the A19 at the A1018 junction for Seaham, take the B1285 towards Seaham, turn right onto the B1404 at the traffic-light junction, continue for about 4 miles to the A690 at Houghton-le-Spring, then take the A690 north towards Sunderland and re-join the A19 at the Herrington Interchange.
For southbound traffic, drivers should follow the ‘Solid Diamond’ symbol: exit at the A690/Herrington Interchange, take the A690 south towards Durham/Houghton-le-Spring, exit at the A182/A1052 junction after about 1.5 miles, join the B1404 south towards Seaham for about 4 miles, turn left onto the B1285 and follow to the roundabout with the A1018 to re-join the A19 southbound.
